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  • Origins of lineage‐specific elements via gene duplication, relocation, and regional rearrangement in Neurospora crassa
Title: Origins of lineage‐specific elements via gene duplication, relocation, and regional rearrangement in Neurospora crassa
Abstract The origin of new genes has long been a central interest of evolutionary biologists. However, their novelty means that they evade reconstruction by the classical tools of evolutionary modelling. This evasion of deep ancestral investigation necessitates intensive study of model species within well‐sampled, recently diversified, clades. One such clade is the model genusNeurospora, members of which lack recent gene duplications. SeveralNeurosporaspecies are comprehensively characterized organisms apt for studying the evolution of lineage‐specific genes (LSGs). Using gene synteny, we documented that 78% ofNeurosporaLSG clusters are located adjacent to the telomeres featuring extensive tracts of non‐coding DNA and duplicated genes. Here, we report several instances of LSGs that are likely from regional rearrangements and potentially from gene rebirth. To broadly investigate the functions of LSGs, we assembled transcriptomics data from 68 experimental data points and identified co‐regulatory modules using Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis, revealing that LSGs are widely but peripherally involved in known regulatory machinery for diverse functions. The ancestral status of the LSGmas‐1, a gene with roles in cell‐wall integrity and cellular sensitivity to antifungal toxins, was investigated in detail alongside its genomic neighbours, indicating that it arose from an ancient lysophospholipase precursor that is ubiquitous in lineages of the Sordariomycetes. Our discoveries illuminate a “rummage region” in theN. crassagenome that enables the formation of new genes and functions to arise via gene duplication and relocation, followed by fast mutation and recombination facilitated by sequence repeats and unconstrained non‐coding sequences.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2300123 1916137
PAR ID:
10579442
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
Wiley
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Molecular Ecology
Volume:
33
Issue:
24
ISSN:
0962-1083
Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
chromosomal rearrangement de novo origination fungi genomics molecular evolution orphan gene
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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